Talk of “Change” is in the air, but luckily our focus is on Corvettes and what may be coming our way in 2010. A CorvetteForum member was perusing the GM computer system and claims he saw a Grand Sport option for both Coupes and Convertibles in 2010. The RPO Z16, used in 1996 to describe the Grand Sport package was also mentioned. However, something else is afoot, as we are seeing how just one word is causing the Corvette enthusiast community to swoon: widebody.

A widebody describes the Corvette Z06’s increased width over the Coupe and Convertible models due to the flared front and rear fender panels that house the larger Z06â€™s wheels and brakes. A Widebody conversion, especially the rear portion which when done by itself is referred to as a “widebooty, is one of the more popular C6 Corvette body modifications which can cost upwards of $10-$15K.

The last few special editions rolled out by GM have been nothing more than special paint schemes and embroidered seats, no doubt conceived by marketing types to sell more Corvettes. Normally, we are okay with that but some special edition Corvettes require a little something extra to make them special. As in the case of the coming 2009 Competition Sport Corvette, is it more of a performance model over that of a regular Coupe because it comes with a user-affixible numbers to paste on the doors?

A Grand Sport widebody on the other hand changes the game. A unique body style would make the Corvette special. Add some goodies like the Z06â€™s brakes and then wrap it up in the Grand Sport livery with special paint and interior trim and youâ€™ve got a guaranteed winner.

Like any rumor, those that know aren’t talking and those that don’t anything are talking too much. Watching the chatter over the next couple months will be interesting and it gives us something to look forward to. Hopefully as we get closer to the Corvette Bash in April we will start to get some solid news that will surely please the enthusiast community: The return of the Grand Sport Corvette.